Intelligence: No indication of bio-terrorism in avian flu cases

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA - National State Intelligence (BIN) Head Marciano Norman has stated that there has been no indication of bio-terrorism in the avian flu cases reported across the country so far.

"Until now, we have found no indication of bio-terrorism," he said at the premises of the presidential palace here on Thursday. "However, we will continue to monitor the cases, while the concerned ministries further examine the problem," Marciano added.

Meanwhile, Coordinating Minister for Political, Security and Legal Affairs Djoko Suyanto said the bio-terrorism scare was only a rumour, adding that the relevant ministries and BIN would continue to remain on the alert irrespectively.

"Certainly we will further examine the matter, but I think it is merely a rumour," he pointed out.

Suyanto said terrorism activities that had happened so far in the country did not indicate that the terrorists had the capability of engaging in bio-terrorism yet. "I don't think they have reached that level yet, but we will continue to monitor the situation," he stated.

When asked about eradication of terrorism in the country, Suyanto said the government was continuing to implement preventive measures in cooperation with non-governmental organizations, universities and Islamic boarding schools.

"Terrorism cannot be eradicated by repressive actions only. Preventive measures are probably more important in order to achieve that goal," Suyanto noted. "Actually it is the mindset that needs to be changed, but that is not easy. Therefore, the eradication of terrorism is not solely the responsibility of the police or the counter-terrorism agency (BNPT)," he added.